Hopefully there is someone here who can help me with this research problem. I am looking into a brief period in my ancestor's life in which he is said to have served in India as a young man (16 years old, perhaps). The family lore places him in India, but the only potential physical evidence we have for this service is a silver cup which reads:
2nd Surrey Artillery, 5th Brigade, Trumpeter Clever, 1865. (see photo attached)
It is supposed to be an award for his marksmanship (again, according to family lore). In India he was also supposed to have performed in amateur musical theatre to entertain the officers' wives. He later went on to be a tenor in Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. His name was Charles Cleaver but went under the stage name Charles Campbell.
I had a vague idea that he might have served as a part of the "Volunteer Movement" which arose around 1859, but I have nothing to back that up and I have no idea if this would place him in India. Does anyone know if records exist for this 2nd Surrey Artillery, 5th Brigade and where I would find them? Any other information on this topic would be appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
